We predict...

At this time of the year, many industry analysts publish their predictions for the coming year. Generally, they will charge you many thousands of pounds for their wisdom. However, as we are still imbued with the spirit of Christmas, we present our own predictions for 2003 JANUARY Microsoft announces that Longhorn will launch in 2004 and release details as soon as it has decided what it is. ...more

Sony shrinks Windows computing

Sony has unveiled what is said to be the world's smallest Windows XP compatible computer. Measuring just 167 x 108mm and weighing just 550 grams, the 'type U' computer has 256Mb of memory and a 20Gb hard disk. Input is either via a stylus on a pressure pad or through a special collapsible keyboard. ...more

Users face long wait for iPod shuffle

After huge demand in the US, iPod fans may face a wait of up to four weeks if they want to get their hands on Apple's latest music player, the iPod shuffle. Apple's US online store currently lists both the 512Mb and 1Gb models as having a delivery time of between two and four weeks, while the UK online store lists the product as shipping in three to four weeks. Dealers contacted by MacUser also admitted to having none in stock, although some were prepared to take orders for the product with delivery times in the range of four weeks. ...more

Wii proves gamer's choice in next-gen console war

The anticipated battle between Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Sony's PlayStation 3 for the console crown has become a sideshow to the unprecedented rise of Nintendo's Wii as the next-generation gaming hardware of choice. Once a dark-horse contender, the Wii has outsold both its competitors in recent months. According to sales data from the NPD Group, the Wii sold 335,000 units in February to the Xbox 360's 228,000 and the PS3's 127,000. ...more

Quantum computing jumps to the future

Two Swiss scientists have made a theoretical breakthrough that could bring the age a quantum computing a step nearer. Hans-Andreas Engel and Daniel Loss of the University of Basel in Switzerland have explained how to make a device called a spin-parity meter, quantum computing's equivalent of the transistor. Although they have worked out how to build one, they have not got as far as putting one together. ...more